I didn't think I would ever get to the point that running a marathon became a routine event. While it was still hard work I was totally in control the entire race. I can honestly say that it was the most enjoyable marathon I have ever run. You've heard of hitting the wall? No such thing today. Right up to race time I was undecided as to how to approach the day. Brett and I tossed it around and in the end agreed that we would stick with the idea of running 5 minute kms for the first 10 and then see how it felt. Well I felt fine at that point, and still felt fine at the halfway point(1:44:06) while picking up the pace just a wee bit. Still felt good at 30 kms(2:28). Compare that to the 30 k we ran in Hamilton 6 weeks ago in a time of 2:38:05! Then I nicely maintained that pace to the finish line in a time of 3:26:40. What was again so engouraging was that I ran the second half a minute and a half faster than the first half. In the end my pace for the entire race was 4:54/km and I finished second in my age group(out of 22) and 27th overall out of 200. Brett also had a great day finishing just over 3:30 which may be a personal best for him. Thanks again Brett for helping me out both today and 6 weeks ago in Hamilton. Heres the official results if you care to check it out.
http://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.php?lang=eng&racecode=44744&lboard=Overall&page=0&sizeofpage=200&sortby=place&limit=2000
What's most important out of all this enthusiasm is not so much the time or even the ease of the day, but rather the fact that I barely rested in preperation. Just 4 days prior to the race I did a workout lasting more than 5 hours. My endurance is clearly moving forward in leaps and bounds now. I'm feeling gratified and gaining confidence...or should I say losing fear?
Oh by the way, no emotional breakdowns today. Finishing a marathon is just something I can do with relative ease now, rather than some kind of super-duper achievement.
It's getting from here to the start line that was the achievement.
I wish to dedicate day 235 to my Mom who I'm glad didn't see that tough part of my life, but who I desperately wish were here to share today with me. Happy Mothers day Mom!
"The phrase "working mother" is redundant."---Jane Sellman
"Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own."---Aristotle
...especially for my mom...
"I miss thee, my Mother! Thy image is still the deepest impressed on my heart.~Eliza Cook
...and for my wife as mother...
"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."---Oprah Winfrey
love
peter
1 comment:
Amazing!! You've come a long way from that hospital bed.
A beautiful post, dedicated to a beautiful person. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know your mother.
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